Antique RJ Beck Model 22 Microscope in Wooden Case with Two Lenses 10X & 40X
The Microscope is in good vintage condition, the case has a split at the back but is otherwise sound, please see pictures.
The Microscope extends to 36cm high, the case measures 33cm x 21cm x 17cm
R & J Beck occupy an especially important place in the history of the British microscope manufacturing with its beginning established in London, by Richard Beck (1827 - 1866) in association with James Smith (1800 – 1873), and later to be joined by his brother Joseph Beck.
Richard and Joseph Beck were nephews of Joseph Jackson Lister, who was a respected British optician and physicist who experimented with achromatic lenses and perfected an optical microscope.
In commissioning the manufacture of his improved microscope, Lister worked with James Smith, an employee of the instrument-making firm of William Tulley, to create the stand.
James Smith went on to establish his own optical instruments workshop in 1837. Through this relationship, Lister arranged for his nephew, Richard Beck to be an apprentice under Smith in 1843.
In 1847, James Smith entered into partnership with Richard Beck, and the company was re-named Smith & Beck. In 1854, the company was renamed to Smith, Beck and Beck, as Richard Beck's brother Joseph Beck joined the company in 1851.
James Smith retired in 1865 and the company became R & J Beck and this name lasted for long time. In 1866, Richard Beck died at an early age of 39, and Joseph Beck carried on the business. In 1895 the company became a limited partnership (R & J Beck Ltd). By 1968, the company was a subsidiary of the Ealing Corporation of USA.
According to an early 20th Century Beck’s catalogue, these microscopes were general purpose instruments for teaching establishments and medical work. The base and pillar are in one heavy iron casting. The base has a large spread, making the microscope stand firmly, either in the vertical, inclined or horizontal position.
The stage is large, of solid construction, and rigidly attached to the limb of the microscope. The microscope has a coarse adjustment, actuated by helical rack and pinion. The fine adjustment is of a simple but effective design, actuated by a large milled head. The body tube is of the standard length and has an extending drawtube.
A double mirror, plane and concave, is fitted into the lower end of the limb. Stage clips are fitted to the stage for holding specimens in position. (only one stage clip is present)
It includes two objective lenses, 10X & 40X, but as we cannot guarantee the quality of the optics it is sold as a display piece only.
The serial number of the microscope is 3633.
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